Parramatta's first season under Jason Ryles was never going to be smooth. It was a reset, not a sugar hit. New systems, new standards, and a club that finally looked willing to wear short term pain if it meant building something that lasts.

The early part of 2025 was rough. Results weren't there, combinations were unsettled, and the squad often looked caught between old habits and new expectations. Ryles made it clear he was looking forward, and he made tough calls on players who were not part of the long term picture, even if they could have helped win games in the short term.

The Dylan Brown situation became the lightning rod. Brown's talent never disappeared. He later played outstanding football for New Zealand, and at times looked like one of the most dangerous five eighths in the world. But once he chose Newcastle on a 10 year deal, Parramatta moved on quickly. Ryles prioritised giving time to younger halves and depth options, and he started blooding players like Joash Papali and giving Dean Hawkins extended opportunities.

There was also significant movement around the roster. Reagan Campbell Gillard departed, Bryce Cartwright moved on, and Sean Lane retired. Mid season, Parramatta added Dylan Walker from the Warriors, and he quickly became a useful bench option as a ball playing forward who could settle games. At dummy half, young hooker Ryley Smith became a week to week NRL player, and Talon De Silva arrived mid season to strengthen the depth and competition in that role.

The Jonah Pezet signing for 2026 drew debate. Some questioned how a one year deal for a player already committed elsewhere aligned with the youth first approach. Yet on pure football logic, it also made sense. Pezet gets a full season learning next to Mitchell Moses, and Parramatta add a high calibre organiser to stabilise their spine, especially considering Moses' injury interruptions.

When Moses returned in 2025, Parramatta looked like a different side. Their best footy came with shape, kicking control, and confidence in the moments that matter. They finished 11th, winning 10 and losing 14, and for a first year under a new coach and new direction, it gave the club something to build on.

If Parramatta want the rebuild to turn into a finals push in 2026, these five players must take a clear step.

3. Ryan Matterson

Why his role is important
Ryan Matterson's value, when he is right, is obvious. He is a big body forward who has genuine football skills. He began his career in the halves, developed as a ball playing back rower, and for a period at Parramatta he was one of the most damaging metre eaters in the competition, averaging over 150 metres in seasons where he was fully engaged and fully fit.

He can create momentum with a carry, he can offload late, he can link with halves, and he has a kicking game if required. That versatility means he can be used as a starter on an edge, a lock rotation option, or a bench weapon depending on what Ryles wants from his pack.
In a rebuilding side, a forward like Matterson can be gold, because he can help generate points from nothing.

What must improve
The issue has been consistency and trust.

Matterson has not played consistent first grade football across the past three years, and in 2025 he spent most of his time outside the NRL team. That is not just form, it is a sign that the club did not trust the total package, the work rate, the reliability, and the week-to-week commitment.

The suspension decision became a flashpoint for how the public and many within rugby league viewed his professionalism. Choosing to accept a three-week suspension instead of taking the fine to stay on the field created backlash because it sent the wrong message in a team environment where availability is part of leadership.

What matters now is not re litigating that moment. What matters is the response. His career depends on what he does next.

He must improve his commitment to the tough carries, his defensive resolve, and his week-to-week standard. He cannot be a player who looks classy when things are going well but fades when the contest turns into a grind.

Why his improvement matters
Matterson is still in the squad, and that suggests there is a door open under Jason Ryles. If he walks through it, Parramatta gain a high end forward with genuine X factor. If he does not, he risks playing himself out of the NRL.

For Parramatta to climb, they need the best version of Matterson, the one who was bending lines, winning metres, and creating second phase for the spine.

4 COMMENTS

  1. That’s a very readable and thought-provoking article, Michael.

    Pezet is a concern for me. If he is playing at 6 next to Moses, yet expected to move to 7 when Moses is unavailable, how is he supposed to develop his skills as a 7 ? If he is normally playing at 6 he will grow more and more accustomed to playing in that role, and less and less accustomed to running the team round the park.

    I don’t disagree that Pezet is important for Parramatta, but I am concerned that he will not be able to become a Moses-replacement with limited time at 7. Maybe he would be better developed by regularly at 7 in the reggies rather than 6 in first-grade.

    • Thank you for the feedback. Greatly appreciated. I think there is a complete overkill in how we talk about the 6 and the 7. Many sides are using various styles when it comes to getting the side around the park. Getting NRL time consistently at 6 or 7 is far better than 7 in NSW cup as long as confidence isn’t being destroyed. Making your tackles, getting the call on the footy and earning trust are best achieved in NRL. If Pezet is in the top 2 play makers , 6 or 7 doesnt matter. Moses will run the side and Pezet will learn playing with him as well as being a trusted point of the attack. Plus he can alleviate Moses of having to do all the kicking. On precendents already set, Moses has struggled to play 10 games a year in recent times so there is no guarantee he stays on the park. Having 2 halves that can play 6 or 7 depending on the need is far better. Pigeon holing these youngsters as most pundits and commentators do and do lazily, is why we have these narratives flood the social pages, but really, if the kid is a talented half, the 6 or 7 don’t matter. Pezet development will be extremely important for Parra this year and Brisbane next year.